
Meet the Center for Spine Surgery Team of Doctors
Providers
Center for Spine Surgery is proudly accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) in recognition of our commitment to meeting rigorous accreditation standards. Our Medicare Deemed Status accreditation reflects our adherence to the highest standards in ambulatory healthcare.
We assist patients based on the recommendation of their physician.
Meet The Doctors

Leif-Erik Bohman, MD
Leif-Erik Bohman, MD
Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York, NY
RESIDENCY
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neurosurgery
Philadelphia, PA
FELLOWSHIP
Christchurch Public Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
Christchurch, New Zealand
Dr. Bohman specializes in minimally invasive and complex surgery of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. He has published research in the areas of neuro-oncology, neurotrauma, neurocritical care, and minimally invasive cranial surgery and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for several academic journals.
Dr. Bohman examines back and neck pain that is a result of Spinal Stenosis, and the effects it can have on your quality of life.
FACULTY
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Assistant Professor for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, November 2019 – June 2022
IN THE MEDIA
In this podcast (click here) Dr. Bohman shares prevention advice and that if you have difficulty with walking, there are many treatment options available at Christiana Care, including PT, injections, nonoperative care and surgical interventions.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

Paul Tymour Boulos, MD
Paul Tymour Boulos, MD
Board Certified
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Thomas Jefferson University Medical School
Philadelphia, PA
INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY
University of Virginia, Department of General Surgery
Charlottesville, VA
FELLOWSHIP
Minimally Invasive Spine Fellowship, Semmes Murphy Clinic with Kevin Foley
Dr. T. Boulos has a special interest in the application of minimally invasive techniques in the management of spinal and cranial pathology. He provides a comprehensive scope of techniques from percutaneous procedures such as kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, minimally invasive microdiskectomy, percutaneous fusion, and spondylolisthesis reduction to open reconstructive scoliosis corrections. He also specializes in neuroendocrinology, in the management of pituitary tumors.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024.

Mark S. Eskander, M.D.
Mark S. Eskander, M.D.
Mark S. Eskander, M.D., is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Spine. He is fellowship trained at the University of Pittsburgh and has special interest in conditions that affect the neck (cervical spine). He has been treating Delawareans since 2012 and has performed over 2000 spine surgeries. Dr. Eskander treats all disorders of the spine no matter how simple or complicated. He likes to develop a good rapport with his patients where they feel educated and empowered about their spine.
Dr. Eskander continues to contribute to the medical literature with publications in the field of spine surgery. Over the years he having been awarded speaking opportunities and research awards at national spine meetings, including the Cervical Spine Research Society, North American Spine Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
As of 2/2017, Dr. Mark Eskander has officially been named as an Affiliated Faculty Member with the University of Delaware Department of Physical Therapy. Affiliated faculty members are appointed as members of the academic staff for a period of time during which they are actively involved in the teaching and research program of the University. Affiliated faculty members are a very important part of the UD Physical Therapy program and play an integral role in the next generation of physical therapists.
HONORS
Top Doctor by Delaware Today: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Cervical Spine Research Society – Live Session Poster Winner: 2009

Tony Maidoh, MD
Tony Maidoh, MD
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Thomas Jefferson University Medical School
Philadelphia, PA
INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
FELLOWSHIP
Spine Fellowship. Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Dr. Maidoh specializes in minimally invasive and complex surgery of the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.
FACULTY
Thomas Jefferson University after completing his training

Matthew Eppley, MD, FACS
Matthew Eppley, MD, FACS
Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
Undergraduate: Swarthmore College
MEDICAL SCHOOL
University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
Cincinnati, OH
INTERNSHIP
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
RESIDENCY
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
FELLOWSHIP
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
(Dr. Jewell Osterholm, Dr. William Buchheit and Dr. Fred Simeone)
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Dr. Eppley’s special interests are in applications of minimally invasive techniques in spine and brain pathology. He also has interests in cervical and lumbar disc replacement, minimally invasive lumbar surgery, cervical and lumbar disc surgery. He provides a comprehensive scope of techniques such as minimally invasive microdiscectomy, and fusion, and cervical lumbar, brain trauma expertise and trauma.
APPOINTMENTS
Section Chief, Department of Surgery, Section of Neurological Surgery, Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, DE. February 2006-2014.
Co Chief, Department of Surgery, Spine Section, Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, DE. 2007-2014.
Surgical Executive Committee, Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, DE. 2006-2014.
State of Delaware Health Care Advisory Panel for Workman’s Compensation Reform March 2007-present.
Director, Neurosurgical Trauma, Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, DE. 2000-2006.
Started the Neurosciences multi-disciplinary committee for CCHS and chair 2011-2014.
Member, American Association of Neurologic Surgeons 1991-present.
Congress of Neurologic Surgeons 1991-present.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

Akul S. Patel, MD
Akul S. Patel, MD
Dr. Akul Patel is a board eligible fellowship-trained spine surgeon who specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of the full spectrum of spinal disorders from the occiput to the sacrum.
Dr. Patel grew up in the United Kingdom. He graduated cum laude and with distinction from Duke University with a degree in chemistry. After a period teaching high school mathematics he earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina before completing a residency in orthopaedic surgery at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Following residency, Dr. Patel completed his fellowship training in spine surgery at the world-renowned University of Maryland Medical Center/R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. His expertise includes traumatic, degenerative, and oncologic conditions of the spine as well as spinal deformity. He has extensive training in both complex and minimally invasive spine surgery but believes in non-operative care when appropriate.
Dr. Patel has published numerous research papers and contributed to textbook chapters in the field of spine surgery. He has presented his work at local, regional and national meetings. He is a member of AO spine and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Patel relocated to Delaware to be close to family. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He is a big fan of the English Premier League and cricket and loves to travel. He is currently accepting new patients!

Pawan Rastogi, MD
Pawan Rastogi, MD
Board Certified
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Albany Medical College
Albany, N.Y.
INTERNSHIP
Albany Medical College, General Surgery
Albany, N.Y.
RESIDENCY
Albany Medical College, Neurological Surgery
Albany, N.Y.
Dr. Rastogi specializes in minimally-invasive spine surgery, cerebrovascular surgery and complex brain tumors.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024.

Pulak Ray, MD
Pulak Ray, MD
Board Certified
MEDICAL SCHOOL
University of Maryland at Baltimore, School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD
INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY
Temple University, Neurosurgery
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Ray specializes in the areas of Neuro-Oncology, Neurotrauma, Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery, and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery.
NEWS
To read about Dr. Bohman and Dr. Ray’s Awake Brain Surgery, click here.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024.

Michael G. Sugarman, M.D., FACS
Michael G. Sugarman, M.D., FACS
Board Certified, Neurosurgery, American Board of Neurological Surgeons
MEDICAL SCHOOL
George Washington University, School of Medicine
Washington, D.C.
INTERNSHIP
Medical Center of Delaware
Christiana Hospital
Newark, DE
RESIDENCY
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
FELLOWSHIP
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Dr. Sugarman has extensive experience with spinal diseases, brain tumors, head injury and spine trauma with a special interest in minimally invasive neurosurgery.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023.

Kennedy Yalamanchili, M.D., FACS
Kennedy Yalamanchili, M.D., FACS
Board Certified, American Board of Neurological Surgery
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
INTERNSHIP
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
RESIDENCY
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Yalamanchili is currently and has participated in a wide variety of research, publications and conferences. He specializes in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery and treatment of brain tumors. He lectures nationally and internationally on various topics in spine and brain research and clinical application.
HONORS
Delaware Today Top Docs Award 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Accreditation


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